American Idol Backstage Scoop: Harry Connick, Jr. Confirms He's Been Approached About Being a Judge

The day after his successful stint as a mentor injected fresh energy into season 12 of American Idol, Harry Connick Jr. confirms he's been approached about potentially being a judge next year. "It's a fun show. It's been talked about before, who knows what'll happen in the future," he told E! News exclusively. "What I've done thus far on the show has been really fun, so I've had a great time."

"You know, they kinda wanted to know if I would be interested in it," Connick, Jr. continued when we caught up with him backstage after tonight's results show. And the smooth crooner already knows what he'd bring to the table. "I think you need to be completely honest, and I think you need to be diplomatic," he said. "I think there's no reason to be mean, but it is called being a 'judge.' You have to judge. That's what you do."

The New Orleans-based singer also confirmed that this isn't the first time such discussions have taken place. The idea was first floated after he advised contestants in season 9. "The last time I was here, I was so flattered that they were kind of talking about it," he said. "And it didn't work out. There were a lot of things going on on their side and a lot of things going on on my side with just stuff. It's hard to make a commitment like that."

What would it take for Connick, Jr., who has a new album coming out June 11, to seriously consider joining Idol? "$600 million!" he cracked, before turning serious: "I'm going on tour this year so, like, when would I do it? It's that kind of thing."

Still, the longtime Idol fan admits it'd be a thrill: "I was in the audience when Kelly Clarkson won [season one]. Justin Guarini waved at me! It'd be fun."

For more Idol scoop, make sure to tune into E! News at 7:30 and 11:30 p.m.!

Would you like to see Connick, Jr. as a judge in season 13? Sound off in the comments!